The heat is on for Staten Islanders

Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimoThe temperature is expected to hit 100 degrees today, and Staten Island residents are urged to do their best to stay out of the sun.

The temperature is expected to hit triple digits today, and Staten Islanders are urged to take precautions to avoid falling prey to the heat.

The National Weather Service is reporting a high of 100 degrees, although the Island may get a reprieve with a chance of thunderstorms and low of 75 degrees later on tonight. Tomorrow, it's back into the 90s with 80-plus degree weather expected the rest of the week.

Those without air-conditioning or a cool place to stay can visit a local cooling center. The city Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has opened locations for today and tomorrow; a location near you can be found by clicking here.

Blackouts also can be expected in the extreme heat. To find affected areas, click here.

For those looking to beat the heat, OEM offers these tips:

* If possible, stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.

* Use an air conditioner if you have one. Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

* If
you do not have an air conditioner, keep rooms well-ventilated
with open windows and fans. Consider going to a public pool,
air-conditioned store, mall, movie theater or cooling center.

* Make a special effort to check on your neighbors
during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, young children, and
people with special needs. Many older New Yorkers live alone and could
suffer unnecessarily in the heat because they are isolated from friends
and family.

* Drink fluids - particularly water - even if you
do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or
high amounts of sugar.

* Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.

* Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the
sun's peak hours - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must engage in strenuous
activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually in the
morning between 4 and 7 a.m.